Preaching at the Crossroads: How the World—and Our Preaching—Is Changing
Overview
Postmodernism. Secularism. Pluralism. These are the words often used to describe the tumultuous changes that have affected our culture and our churches. In this volume, David J. Lose examines what these words really mean—and what challenges and opportunities they provide today’s preachers. Taking preachers on a tour of the major cultural influences of the last century, Lose explains how these movements have contributed to the diminishment of the church. He also explores how they offer opportunities to cultivate a more vibrant and relevant faith in the twenty-first century. Filled with lucid analysis and practical suggestions, Preaching at the Crossroads invites preachers to reclaim the art of preaching the timeless gospel in a timely and compelling manner.
With Logos Bible Software, Preaching at the Crossroads is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Discusses the last century’s major cultural influences
- Examines the effect of these influences on the church
- Offers practical examples and suggestions for preaching the gospel today
- Introduction: At the Crossroads
- Part I. Postmodernism
- Preaching at the End of the World (as We Know It)
- The Preacher and the Postmodern Bible
- Part II. Secularism
- Preaching Hope in the Secular Age
- Preaching the Grandeur of God in the Everyday
- Part III. Pluralism
- Ministry and Preaching in the Age of Digital Pluralism
- Preaching and Christian Identity
- Afterword: The Long and Winding Road
Top Highlights
“Second, while modernists searched for ultimate truth, postmodernists argue that what we call ‘truth’ is simply the name we attach to those values the dominant culture has tacitly agreed upon. Truth, according to the postmodernist, is a social construct.” (Page 18)
“Finally, while modernists believe that one attains power by aligning oneself with reality (hence Francis Bacon’s ‘knowledge is power’), postmodernists assert that it is actually those who wield power in the culture who get to name what counts for knowledge and therefore to determine what is legitimate, true, and real.” (Page 18)
“But the fact of the matter is that we didn’t do something wrong.” (Pages 97–98)
“Contrary to postmodernism, secularism has not rebelled against the notion of truth but rather against the idea that truth is rooted in God.” (Page 7)
“When it comes to postmodernism, the primary question is epistemological: How do we know for certain whether anything is true?” (Page 7)
David Lose provides a brilliant cultural GPS for preachers who need help navigating the often bewildering claims of a post-Christian world. This essential book maps the subtle contours of the ground and charts clear and helpful paths for preaching.
—Paul Scott Wilson, professor of homiletics, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto
David Lose is a wise and experienced guide for the church as it walks the line between Christian tradition and the emerging postmodern world. He looks the most serious questions in the eye and does not flinch.
—Ronald J. Allen, professor of preaching and gospels and letters, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis
No one thinks more clearly or writes more effectively about the place of preaching in a postmodern, secular, pluralistic world than does David Lose. This book shows a firm grasp of contemporary philosophy, biblical hermeneutics, and the challenges of digital culture. What is perhaps most impressive about this volume, however, is that, in a crowded marketplace of sermonic gimmicks and quick-fixes, Lose holds instead to a vision of preaching that is profoundly theological and centered on the gospel.
—Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
- Title: Preaching at the Crossroads: How the World—And Our Preaching—Is Changing
- Author: David J. Lose
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Print Publication Date: 2013
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 124
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Preaching; Postmodernism › Religious aspects--Christianity
- ISBNs: 9780800699734, 9781451452297, 0800699734, 1451452292
- Resource ID: LLS:PRCHNGCLSG
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:20:36Z